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Tributes pour in on Lee Kuan Yew’s 91st birthday

SINGAPORE — Singapore’s founding father and former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew turns 91 today (Sept 16), with many well wishes coming his way.

SINGAPORE — Singapore’s founding father and former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew turns 91 today (Sept 16), with many well wishes coming his way.

Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said he dropped by Mr Lee's office to wish him a happy birthday. "He was dressed smartly in his casual red jacket. He looked well and sharp and spoke with a strong voice," wrote Mr Goh on Facebook. 

"Unfortunately, he was having one of those hiccups triggered off by some allergic irritations. Even then, he was getting ready for his Chinese lessons. I cannot help but marvel at the spirit and fight of The Singapore Lion. More good years to you, Mr Lee."

Education Minister Heng Swee Keat posted a photo on Facebook of Mr Lee celebrating his birthday, saying: "Not many people see this side of Mr Lee, but I have always found him to be caring to his staff."

Member of Parliament Baey Yam Keng posted on Twitter that he once saw Mr Lee wearing a singlet with a hole underneath his shirt. "His frugality is humbling. Happy 91st birthday, Mr Lee. #HappyBirthdayLKY".

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean wished Mr Lee good health, while Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin posted on his Instagram account a birthday greeting from a resident:

Recalling meeting Mr Lee at the gym a few years back, Minister of State (Trade and Industry) Teo Ser Luck said: "He asked me how to build up his core strength. He once said he wanted to be physically healthy, strong and more importantly, to be at his best for Singapore."
 

Many Singaporeans also toook to the People’s Action Party (PAP) tribute website to leave him birthday messages. The website, www.happybirthdaylky.org, showcases an e-card stream of social media posts with the hashtag #HappyBirthdayLKY, as well as numerous messages posted directly through the site.

Alongside messages wishing him good health and a happy birthday are more personal tributes including picture collages, sketches and even a cross-stitch portrait of Mr Lee.

Well-wisher Han Joon Kwang wrote on the site: “Dear Mr Lee, my father give me a roof (over) my head which I call my house. You gave me a small island I call Home. Happy Birthday."

Responding to the messages through the PAP Facebook page, Mr Lee wrote, “Thank you for your birthday greetings and good wishes. I cannot reply to each greeting individually. I wish you all the very best in return.”


 

 

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